Volvo Trucks North America

Greensboro, NC USA

D Date
Service Bulletin

11.2006
Trucks
Group

260
No.

37

Cooling System
Troubleshooting
D13F
Page

1(3)

Cooling System Troubleshooting

W2005779

This bulletin provides information regarding cooling system troubleshooting on a vehicle

with the Volvo D13F engine.

Contents
• “Cooling System Troubleshooting” page 2

Note: Information is subject to change without notice.

Illustrations are used for reference only and can differ slightly from the actual vehicle
being serviced. However, key components addressed in this information are
represented as accurately as possible.

PV776-20178272 USA24114.ihval
Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

D
Troubleshooting
Cooling System Troubleshooting
Date
11.2006
Group
260
No.
37

You must read and understand the precautions and

guidelines in Service Information, group 20, "General
Safety Practices, Engine" before performing these
Page
2(3)

procedures. If you are not properly trained and certified

in these procedures, ask your supervisor for training
before you perform the procedures.

Coolant Temperature Too High

Abnormally high coolant temperature can be due to:

• Blocked radiator (low airflow)

• Blocked cooling system
• Contaminated coolant
• Low coolant level
• Broken fan belt
• Faulty temperature gauge
• Poor grounding between engine and chassis
• Faulty thermostat
• Faulty temperature-controlled cooling fan
• Leaking cylinder head gasket, lower liner seals
• Leaking coolant hoses
• Faulty coolant pump
• Faulty fan
• EGR cooler
• EGR valve
Air Flow-Through, Checking
Should higher than normal coolant temperatures be
observed, the passage of air through the charge air
cooler, A/C condenser and radiator must always be
checked and cleaned if necessary. Any obstruction must
be removed. In cases of more serious blockage, the
radiator/charge air cooler and A/C condenser must be
removed entirely and thoroughly cleaned, especially if the
pollutant is oil based.

If the fins of the radiator have been bent by flying stones,

etc., straighten them with a fin comb.

Check that the rubber seals between the fan shroud and
the radiator, and in some cases between the radiator
and the front shroud, have not loosened or for any other
reason are not providing a good seal.

Coolant Temperature Too Low

• Faulty thermostat
• Faulty temperature gauge

Note: Check thermostat function. If you suspect a faulty

thermostat, drain sufficient coolant so that the thermostat
can be removed. Perform a thermostat function check.
Volvo Trucks North America
Service Bulletin

D
Loss of Coolant
External Leaks
Date
11.2006
Group
260

• Leaks at hoses or connections

No.
37

• Leaks at radiator and/or expansion tank

• Leaks at cab heater
• Leaks at coolant pump
• Leaks at cylinder head gasket
Page
3(3)

Internal Leaks
• Leak at injector copper sleeve
• Damaged or deteriorated liner seals
• Liners pitted or cracked
• Leaks at cylinder head gasket
• Crack(s) in cylinder head
• Crack(s) in cylinder block
Coolant Leaks Through Overflow
• Faulty pressure cap/relief valve
• Engine running too hot
• Expansion tank installed incorrectly
• Leaks at cylinder head gasket
• Cylinder block cracked
• Liners pitted or cracked
• Coolant losses, warm engine switched off
Note: Coolant losses after having switched off a warm
engine are generally due to heavy load operation and
subsequent stopping without allowing the engine first
to run at idling speed to cool down. Also, check for a
faulty pressure cap valve.

Temperature Gauge, Checking

1 Connect VCADS Pro to the vehicle’s diagnostic
connector.
2 Select Sensor Values, Monitoring for function group 2.

3 Compare the value in VCADS Pro with the coolant

temperature gauge in the instrument cluster.

4 If the gauge doesn’t work, select Instrument Cluster,

Test in VCADS Pro.
5 Perform a gauge sweep test. (This can also be
performed using the stalk lever.)

Contaminated Coolant
If the coolant is contaminated, it could mean that there is
an internal leak (oil) or that the cooling system is clogged
(deposits). Check for leaks.

A clogged system is usually the result when coolant is not

replaced according to the specific change intervals or
using the wrong mixture of coolant and water, or that dirty
water has been used. For proper change intervals, refer
to Service Information, group 17.